Gorse Bonsai..?

thatfredguy

Lance, I've contemplated gorse as potential bonsai, but as you say ""... they can be a nuisance if not controlled..."

Gorse were introduced to the Oregon Coast in the late 19th century, as I recall, and it has become so invasive that reasonably significant sums are spent on keeping it at bay. It looks pretty in the clearcuts, until you realize how much native plants and reforestation plantings are being smothered by the gorse. I understand that an insect has been introduced as a biological control [they have no natural enemies here, as they do in the UK], but I'm not sure that yamadori gorse would even be allowed as a bonsai. The plants do look like they have great potential--woody trunks, gnarled appearance, etc.--so definitely go for it. So what if a few gorse die? Do you realize how many naugas have to be sacrificed for every naugahyde reclining chair? [That's a joke, folks]